Queue management system

ABSTRACT

A queue management system comprises a plurality of portable modules, at least one docking station, a queue manager, signal transmitting means, at least one module detector and a communication means. each portable module includes memory means for containing a unique identification code, indicator means to be operative, transmitter means for transmitting the identification code over a short range to confine the transmitted identification code to a local region around the person, and docking means for downloading the identification code. The or each docking station registers the person in queue by downloading the identification code for the portable module when docked. The queue manager maintains the queue sequence for the or each queue and includes a communication means for receiving the or each downloaded code. The signal transmitting means is associated with the queue manager for transmitting the signals to each portable module to instruct the person or group of people carrying the portable module to join the queue. The at least one module detector detects the transmitted identification codes from any portable module in its vicinity. The module detector is arranged at the location of the or each queue to detect when the person carrying the portable module joins the queue Finally, the communication means is arranged between the queue manager and the or each module detector to communicate any detected identification code to the queue manager.

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a queue managementsystem for managing at least one queue of people.

[0002] In many leisure pursuits (such as theme parks and museums) andother activities (such as arranging visas and immigration procedures), alarge amount of time can be spent waiting in queues. The queuing is afrustrating and unproductive use of the time of the person in the queueand can be economically inefficient for the enterprise concerned.However, significant queues are necessary for at least part of the timein order to make efficient use of the particular resource.

[0003] The problem of managing queues has been addressed in the priorart such as in EP0086199. In the system disclosed in EP0086199 a queuesequence for serving customers at a number of service points isdetermined once a customer has been allocated a turn number. Thecustomer can then be told which queue to attend by observing a display.

[0004] This prior art arrangement is particularly suitable for queuessuch as in supermarkets wherein the queue time is generally not thatlong and the person will therefore accept the necessity for waiting nearthe queuing area and viewing the display. However, for multiple queuesat remote locations or or one or more queues which have a considerabledelay associated therewith, the system does not enable the personqueuing to physically leave the queue without there being a possibilityof the person losing their place in the queue.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide aqueue management system which allows people to join a “virtual” queue,thus freeing the person from having to wait near the queue.

[0006] The present invention provides a queue management system formanaging at least one queue of people, the system comprising a pluralityof portable modules, each portable module being arranged to be carriedby a person or a group of people and including memory means forcontaining a unique identification code, indicator means for indicatingto said person or group of people when it is time to join the or eachqueue, signal receiver means for receiving signals to cause saidindicator means to be operative, transmitter means for transmitting saididentification code over a short range to confine the transmittedidentification code to a local region around said person or group ofpeople, and docking means for downloading said identification code whensaid portable module is docked; at least one docking station, the oreach docking station being adapted to co-operate with said docking meansof a said portable module for registering said person or group of peoplein queue sequence for a respective queue by downloading saididentification code from said portable module when docked; a queuemanager for maintaining the queue sequence for the or each queue andincluding first communication means for receiving the or each downloadedcode; signal transmitting means associated with said queue manager fortransmitting said signals to each portable module to instruct saidperson or group of people carrying a said portable module to join aqueue; at least one module detector for detecting any portable modulesin the vicinity of the or each module detector by detecting anytransmitted identification codes, a said module detector being arrangedat the location of the or each queue to detect when the person or groupof people carrying said portable module joins the queue; and secondcommunication means arranged between said queue manager and the or eachmodule detector to communicate any detected identification codes to saidqueue manager; said queue manager being adapted to update the or eachqueue sequence using the or each detected identification code and the oreach downloaded identification code to remove the or each detectedidentification code from the front of the respective queue sequence andto add the or each downloaded identification code to the back of therespective queue sequence.

[0007] The present invention can thus provide a queue management systemwhich allows people who wish to queue to be free to undertake otheractivities. The time involved in physically queuing can be drasticallyreduced to perhaps a few minutes. The system maintains the place ofusers in each queue and informs them when they should physically jointhe queue.

[0008] The present invention can be employed in theme parks as a queuemanagement system for all of the guests, or for a proportion of theguests who are willing to pay a premium, or one of a range of premiumscorresponding to a range of privileges.

[0009] Conveniently, the method of communicating between the portablemodules and the queue manager is by way of radio paging messages whichcan be received and displayed by the portable modules.

[0010] Although conveniently the indication by the indicator means canbe passed to the user visually, e.g. by a display, the indications couldbe audible., e.g. a spoken message or a tone.

[0011] The present invention also can provide information on thewhereabouts of the users of the system which can, in some applications,provide very useful management information, and can give the ability toinfluence users' movements, that can lead to economic advantages. Inorder to facilitate this, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention the system includes at least one additional moduledetector provided at locations away from the or each queue for detectingany portable modules in the vicinity of the or each additional moduledetector by detecting any transmitted identification codes, the or eachadditional module detector being connected to the queue manager by thesecond communication means and the queue manager being adapted to useany detected identification codes to track the locations of each personor groups of people carrying a portable module.

[0012] Advantageously, the system may further comprise at least oneautomatic registration gate connected to said queue manager by saidsecond communication means, the or each said automatic registration gatecorresponding to a respective queue and including a module detectorarranged to detect only portable modules passing through the automaticregistration gate by detecting, any transmitted identification codes,and said queue manager adapted to update the respective queue sequenceusing the identification codes detected by the automatic registrationgate to add the detected identification codes to the back of therespective queue sequence.

[0013] Preferably, at least one of said module detectors arranged at thelocation of the or each queue is incorporated in a gate unit, and isfurther arranged to detect only the transmitted identification codes ofportable modules passing through the gate unit.

[0014] In an alternative embodiment, in order for the system to be ableto distinguish whether a user is merely in the vicinity of a queue orhas actually joined a queue, at least one of the module detectorsarranged at the location of the or each queue may include a pair ofdetecting antennae arranged as a gate through which a person or group ofpeople carrying a portable module will pass to join a queue. In thisarrangement either the queue manager or the or each module detectorincludes correlation means to correlate signals for any detectedidentification codes from the pair of detecting antennae to determinewhether a portable module has passed therethrough and if so to pass thedetected identification code to the second communication means.

[0015] In this way the module detectors can identify whether the user ismerely in the vicinity or has actually joined the queue. If the user ismerely in the vicinity, the second communication means passes thedetected identification codes flagged as representing portable modulesbeing only in the vicinity of the module detector. Alternatively, theidentification codes detected by the pair of detecting antennae arepassed by the second communication means the queue manager where thecorrelation is carried out to determine whether a user has passedthrough or merely by the pair of antennae.

[0016] Advantageously, the signal transmitting means may comprise atleast one transmitter.

[0017] Advantageously, the signal transmitting means may comprise one ormore signal transmitters, the or each signal transmitter being providedin a respective one of said module detectors.

[0018] Preferably, the signal transmitter is a short range radiotransmitter.

[0019] In one embodiment the transmitter means of each portable moduleis adapted to periodically transmit the identification code stored inits memory means.

[0020] In an alternative embodiment the or each module detector includesa prompting transmitter for transmitting a prompting signal over a shortrange to cause any portable modules in range to respond by transmittingtheir identification codes, each portable module including promptreceiving means for receiving the prompting signal and the transmittermeans of each portable module being responsive to the received promotingsignal to transmit the identification code stored in its memory means.

[0021] Thus, when a portable module comes within range of a moduledetector, its transmitted identification code will be received by themodule detector and passed on to the queue manager. In order to avoidconflicts between transmissions from more than one portable module atthe same frequency at the same time, interference can be avoided bydelaying the transmission of the identification code for a random orpseudo-random delay period. Alternatively, some of the port able modulescan transmit the identification codes at different frequencies or eachportable module transmitting at the same frequency could transmit theidentification code after a unique delay period.

[0022] In one embodiment the or each module detector transmits a uniqueprompting signal and the portable modules include identification meansto compare the unique promoting signal with a stored prompting signalcorresponding to a respective queue to determine whether the person orgroup of people are at the correct queue, and means to indicate to theperson or group of people whether or not the person or group of peopleare located in the correct queue.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the prompting transmitter transmits anidentifying prompting signal indicative of the range of said identifyingprompting signal, and said portable module is operable in response tosaid identifying prompting signal to set the range of its identificationcode transmission.

[0024] When the system is designed for use in a defined area, e.g. themepark which has exits, the system preferably includes at least one moduledetector at each exit to detect portable modules to prevent the portablemodules being removed from the defined area. This prevents the loss ofthe portable modules by deliberate or accidental removal from thedefined area.

[0025] Preferably the or each docking station includes queue displaymeans for displaying a selection of queues which the person or group ofpeople may wish to join, input means to allow the person or group ofpeople to select which queue they wish to join and downloading means fordownloading the identification code of the docked portable module, forpassing the downloaded identification code to the queue manager via thefirst communication means, and for passing the identity of the or eachqueue which the person or group of people wish to join to the queuemanager via the first communication means. The queue manager is adaptedto register the person or group of people in at least one queue sequencedependent upon the downloaded identification code and the received queueidentity.

[0026] In an alternative embodiment, a person can remotely register fora plurality of queues using a remote input arrangement, e.g. a displayand keys. Such an arrangement could for instance be provided at theuser's hotel. When a user registers in this way a portable moduleidentification code (or the portable module itself) is assigned to thatuser. The user can then either pick up the assigned module later or byfor example using a password, select a portable module and have theassigned identification code uploaded to the portable module when theportable is docked. For this facility a means of identifying such a useris required. This can take the form of a password for example which canbe given to an attendant to receive the assigned portable module or itcan be input to the docking station when a portable module is docked tocause the queue manager to upload the assigned identification code.

[0027] In order for the queue manager to receive data on the person orgroup of people who are using the portable module, the display means andthe input means of the or each docking station are preferably adapted torespectively display requests for data on the person or group of peopleand to allow the input of such data for transmission to the queuemanager via the first communication means.

[0028] The docking station conveniently allows the person or group ofpeople to select a preferred sequence of queues to be joined andpreferred times of joining the queues and allows the reselection of thereferred sequence and the preferred times at a later time.

[0029] For multiple queues, the queue manager optimises the position ofa person or group of people in each of the queue sequences to allow theperson or group of people to join each queue and attend each event beingqueued for. In order to do this, the queue manager preferably includesqueue information storage means to store information on the predictedrate at which the or each queue will move and the actual rate of queuemovement and the queue manager is adapted to use the store informationto optimise the length of the or each queue sequence and to enable theoptimisation of the sequence of queues. Once the queue manager hasdetermined the optimum queue sequence, it transmits data on the queuesequence and times at which the queue should be joined to the portablemodules and this data is stored in the memory means of each portablemodule for display.

[0030] In order to avoid the necessity for transmitting a large numberof messages to each portable module, in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention each portable module includes a message memoryfor storing a plurality of standard messages. The queue manager isadapted to send a desired message activation signal to the selectedportable modules whereupon the selected portable modules display adesired message from the stored plurality of messages on the display inresponse to the activation signal.

[0031] In one embodiment the queue manager is able to send a controlsignal to selected said portable modules whereupon the selected portablemodules respond by switching the mode of operation to revert to a normalpager messaging mode.

[0032] In one embodiment, when a user registers for a queue sequence,the time of registration is logged by the queue manager. The queuemanager is able to transmit messages to each of the portable moduleswhich have been registered within a certain time window. This feature isuseful where managers of a theme park wish to allow its users only alimited number of hours of access to the park or to certain activities.A message can be sent to the users which registered within a timewindow. This allows a transmission of a “time-out” message transmittedto the users which are registered within a time window to indicate thatthey no longer have access to the park or to certain activities andshould leave.

[0033] In the present invention when a portable module indicates thatthe user should join a queue, there is no guarantee that the user willrespond by joining the correct queue at the correct time. Therefore, inorder to ensure that the multiple queue sequencing runs smoothly, thepresent invention preferably la includes an access control mechanismassociated with the or each module detector to allow access to a queuearea for a queue and the queue manager is adapted to compare an detectedidentification code with the identification codes of the queue sequenceassociated with the queue to determine if the detected identificationcode falls within a predetermined range of the front of the queuesequence, and to transmit an access denied signal over the secondcommunication means to the access control mechanism if the detectedidentification code is determined to be outside the predetermined range.The access control mechanism is then responsive to the access deniedsignal to prevent a person or a group of people carrying the portablemodule associated with the detected identification code from gainingaccess to the queue area. Preferably the queue manager is adapted totransmit an explanatory message to the portable module which has beendenied access to the queue area to explain the reason why access hasbeen denied.

[0034] Alternatively, each portable module is adapted to store a defaultacceptance time window associated with each queue for which theidentification code of the portable module has been entered in the queuesequence reason messages, a portable module which has been denied accessbeing adapted to identify the module detector to determine whether theportable module is at the correct queue area at the correct time, and toselect and display an appropriate reason message to explain why accesshas been denied.

[0035] In one embodiment a plurality of portable modules can be assignedas a group and each member of a group of portable modules has anidentification code which identifies which group the portable modulesbelong to. The or each docking station is adapted to allow the selectionof the option for the members of a group of people to allow them to eachhave a portable module. For members of a group, when one member placesthe portable module in the docking station, it is possible for thatmember to input a group specific message which is sent by the queuemanager to all members of the group. It is also possible for the groupmember to request information on the locations of the group members. Thequeue manager is able to provide such information which is thendisplayed at the docking station to allow the group member to locateother members of the group.

[0036] Since the queue manager is able to monitor the location of theportable modules, it is possible for the queue manager to send areaspecific messages to portable modules which are known to be in aspecific area. Such messages can for instance be promptingadvertisements for local attractions or information on local facilities.

[0037] When the portable module is docked in the docking station, it ispossible for a user to select the language of the messages to bedisplayed by the portable unit. Also, the queue manager is able to setthe messages which are stored in the message memory and the frequency ofoperation of the transmitter means within the portable module. Further,the queue manager can download the default acceptance time window, e.g.+5 mins, −10 mins.

[0038] In one preferred embodiment the present invention can alsoprovide a plurality of portable tagging modules, each portable taggingmodule being arranged to be carried by a person or a group of people tobe tracked. Each portable module comprises memory means for containingthe unique identification code, transmitter means for transmitting theidentification code over a short range to confine the transmittedidentification code to a local region around the person or group ofpeople carrying the portable tagging module, and docking means fordocking with the or each docking station for downloading theidentification code to the queue manager. The or each docking station isadapted to allow a person or group of people carrying a portable moduleto associate at least one portable tagging module with the portablemodule. A docking station can prompt the selection of a tagging optionwhen the portable module is docked to download the identification codethereof and to subsequently request the docking of a portable taggingmodule to download the identification code thereof. The queue manager isthen responsive to the downloaded identification codes to associate theidentification codes. The or each docking station is further able totransmit a location request signal for associated identification code ofa portable module or tagging module when a portable module or portabletagging module is docked. The queue manager responds to the locationrequest signal to transmit information on the location of the associatedportable module or portable tagging module to the docking station fordisplay thereby.

[0039] Where there are fees associated with one or more queues, inaccordance with one embodiment the or each docking station includespayment means for receiving payment in respect of a queue which has afee associated therewith. The payment means is adapted to requestpayment and await receipt of payment before registering a person orgroup of people in a queue sequence for a desired queue which has a feeassociated therewith.

[0040] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention eachdocking station includes payment means for receiving payment to becredited to the person or group of people carrying a portable module andthe payment is associated with the identification code of the portablemodule. The queue manager includes credit storing means for receivingand storing information on the payment to be credited to a portablemodule from the docking station, queue cost information memory meanscontaining information on the cost of the or each queue which has a feeassociated therewith, and debiting means for debiting funds from thecredit stored in the credit storing means when the queue managerreceives a downloaded identification code from the module detector at aqueue which has a fee associated therewith. The queue manager is adaptedto transmit information on stored credit in the credit storing meansthrough a portable module to that portable module for display to allowthe user to determine how much credit he has left.

[0041] In the above alternative embodiments the payment means canconveniently comprise a credit card reader.

[0042] It can thus be seen from the above that the system canconveniently comprise a combined short range pager unit and electronictag, gate units and a base station including a controlling computer.

[0043] In the present invention the queue sequence comprises a “virtual”queue which conveniently resides in a computer system's memory and holdsa user's place in the queue in the same order as if he had remainedphysically present.

[0044] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0045]FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of the basic elements of the systemin accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0046]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the system in operation in atheme park in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0047]FIG. 3 illustrates the display of the portable module;

[0048]FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the portable module;

[0049]FIG. 5 is a diagram of the portable module illustrating the oneline scrolling display;

[0050]FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a docking station;

[0051]FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a typical ride queuing area;

[0052]FIG. 8 illustrates a gate unit in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention.

[0053]FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the system in operation in atheme park in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention; and

[0054]FIG. 10 illustrates a gate unit in accordance with the embodimentof FIG. 9.

[0055] Referring now to the drawings, as can be seen in FIG. 1 thesystem comprises a portable module comprising a combined short rangepager unit and electronic tag, gate units 2 and a base stationcomprising a controlling computer 3 and a transmitter 4. The controllingcomputer 3 is linked to the transmitter 4 by a communication line 5 toallow the transmission of messages to the portable module 1. Thecontrolling computer 3 is also linked to the gate units 2 by a furthercommunication line 6 to receive downloaded identification codes whichhave been detected by the gate unit 2 from the portable unit 1.

[0056]FIG. 2 illustrates the arrangement of one embodiment of thepresent invention used in a theme park. As can be seen in FIG. 2, acentral computer 3 receives downloaded identification codes from aplurality of gate units 2 positioned at various rides in the park. Also,the controlling computer 3 receives downloaded identification codes fromadditional module detectors 22 incorporated in locator units 7positioned throughout the park to enable the position of portablemodules to be determined.

[0057] In a theme park there is also provided a docking station 8 withinan information kiosk 9. As people enter the theme park via the entrance,they can go to the information kiosk 9, take a portable module 1 from arack and insert it in a docking station 8.

[0058]FIG. 6 illustrates the display which will allow the user to selectthe queues to be joined. In FIG. 6 the portable module has been termed a“prompter”. When the prompter is docked in the docking station itsidentification code is downloaded and sent via the communication line 10to the controlling computer 3. Also, the queues (or rides) which theuser has registered for will be sent to the controlling computer 3together with the preferred times and preferred sequence of rides toenable the controlling computer to determine the optimum sequence andtime of the rides. Once the sequence of rides has been entered and theprompter removed from the docking station, the controlling computer 3will transmit messages to each of the prompters 1 indicating thesequence and times of the rides. Such a message is illustrated in theillustration of the prompter in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 illustrates analternative display arrangement which allows for the display to scrollacross to indicate the ride or attraction, the number of places reservedin the queue and the time at which the physical queue should be joined.

[0059] Thus having registered in the “virtual” queue for a number ofrides, the user is free to utilise time which would normally be taken upby queuing by visiting other attractions in the park. When it is time tojoin a physical ride queue, the user will pass through or by the ridegates 2 which will detect the presence of the prompter 1 by receivingits identification code. This identification code is then downloaded tothe controlling computer 3.

[0060] Thus the prompter comprises a combined short range pager unit andelectronic tag which is capable of receiving messages from the centralcomputer 3 via the transmitter 4 at the base station by techniques usedin commercially available “on site pagers”. The prompter 1 includes anelectronic tagging system and a memory containing a unique serial numberto identify the particular prompter and hence its associated user. Theprompter unit is capable of transmitting the serial number when requiredto be detected by the module detectors 22 in the locator units 7 or bythe gate units 2. The transmitter contained in the prompter can be ofany conventional type such as that used in automobile remote locking orsecurity systems. This transmitter can be arranged either to transmitthe identification signal periodically or only in response to aprompting signal from the gate units 2 or from the module detectors 22in the locator units 7.

[0061]FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the portable module 1 of the presentinvention. A receiver 20 receives paring messages in the form of codesto cause the display of messages on the display 30. A microprocessor 40is provided to decipher the receiver codes and the microprocessor 40 hasa memory 50 and switch 60 associated therewith. The portable module alsohas a receiver 70 for receiving the “identify yourself” signals from thegate units 2 and the locator units 7. The microprocessor 40 isresponsive to the “identify yourself” signal to record the transmissionof the portable module's serial number via the transmitter 80.

[0062] The portable unit is able to display the ride sequence and times.The display can conveniently be an alphanumeric display. A simplifiedprompter can be provided without such an alphanumeric display with asimpler ride indication arrangement for applications which do notrequire readable messages.

[0063] Registration for queues by users can be received eitherautomatically by the removal of a prompter from a dispenser for a singleride or for multiple rides the user will be required to enter manuallythe required rides and ride sequence following the instructions on thedisplay as shown in FIG. 6.

[0064] Normally groups would work with a single prompter for the wholegroup, but it is possible for individual members of a group to each beprovided with a prompter. This is an option which can be made availableat the docking station whereby a group of prompter can be assigned to beassociated as a group whereby their identification numbers which aredownloaded to the controlling computer are marked as being associatedwith a group.

[0065] The identification codes of prompters can either be preloaded ordownloaded from the controlling computer when the prompter is docked.Other information and commands can also be download from the controllingcomputer, e.g. the transmission frequency of the transmitter of eachprompter. Also, the language or the messages to be displayed on thedisplay of the prompter can be selected by a user at this stage.

[0066] Thus for activities involving multiple queues, the controllingcomputer can accept time and sequence preferences from the user duringregistration. The user also has the facility to reset his sequence andtime preferences at any time after registration.

[0067] The controlling computer 3 will, after registration, transmitactivation codes to initiate the display of messages to advise the userwhen they should join a physical line, or to display other standardmessages. A suite of standard messages, each enabled by its activationcode, is stored in read-only memory (ROM) in the prompter to increasethe number of messages that can be transmitted in the required updatetime. Other activation codes can produce specific modes of operation inthe prompter. One particular code will enable a specific prompter torevert to a normal pager messaging mode for applications where thisoption is included.

[0068] The queue manager consists of a number of modules with clearlydefined interfaces. Reliability through redundancy is achieved by havinga duplicate computer system which operates the same software and isinput with the same date. The modules are:

[0069] User Database

[0070] record structure

[0071] Record Entry

[0072] Record Selection

[0073] Record Update

[0074] Queue Database

[0075] list of prompters queuing for each feature

[0076] Select Information from User Database

[0077] Add or Remove Records

[0078] Calculate Attendance Times and Route

[0079] Determine Optimum Queue Sequence(s)

[0080] Calculate or Accept User Attendance Time Windows

[0081] Transmission

[0082] messages to be sent by the base station to the prompters

[0083] Format Messages

[0084] Sequence Messages

[0085] Interface to Transmitter

[0086] Interfaces

[0087] drivers/format for communication other than transmission above

[0088] Input Terminals

[0089] Accept Preference Information

[0090] Download to Prompters (serial number, frequency features asappropriate)

[0091] Gate Units

[0092] Correlate Signals at ride entrances

[0093] Standard packages and interfaces are used wherever possible.

[0094] The gate units 2 include circuitry to at least passively listenfor the transmitted identification codes and preferably includecircuitry to transmit the prompting signal. The gate units will be setup at the entrance to the physical queue to control access to the queuearea. The signals from such gate units can have an identificationfeature built in so that the prompter can recognise if it is at thecorrect location and provide a message to the user. Such anidentification feature can be achieved by for example pulsing thetransmitter on and off, modulating the signal, setting the frequency ofthe signal, or selective polarisation of the signal. When the gate unit2 detects an identification code this is downloaded to the hostcomputer. If it is determined that the identification code correspondsto an identification code within a predetermined region of the front ofthe queue sequence held within the memory of the controlling computer 3,the user is permitted access through the gate units. If, on the otherhand, the detected identification code is not within a predeterminedrange on the front of the queue sequence, a signal is transmitted by thehost computer to the queue area to deny the user access to the queuearea. The controlling computer 3 also transmits a message to theprompter to give a reason as to why access has been denied. Access couldbe denied because the user has arrived either before or after the time,is at the wrong ride or the user is at the wrong ride and at the wrongtime.

[0095] Throughout the park area, locator units 7 incorporatingadditional module detectors 22 are provided simply to collect detectedidentification codes of prompter in the vicinity. These detectedidentification codes are downloaded to the controlling computer 3 toenable, the controlling computer 3 to monitor the location of theprompter 1 within the park.

[0096] In large systems there is a likelihood of interference betweentransmitted identification codes of prompter in the locality of the gateunits 2 or the locator units 7. There are a number of ways in which thisproblem of interference can be reduced or avoided. The queue controlinfrastructure and gate unit positioning can be appropriately designedin order to provide sufficient separate between prompters, e.g. by usingturnstiles, barriers and the like. Also, the power level of thetransmitters of the prompters can be reduced and the sensitivity of thereceivers of the gate units 2 and the locator units 7 altered. Further,a random or pseudo-random delay can be introduced into, the responsetime of the transmitters to the prompting signal from the gate units 2and locator units 7. Alternatively, different prompters can usedifferent frequencies. Further, responses from the portable units can besequenced by the controlling computer sending enabling activation codessuch that only a certain proportion of the prompters which share thesame transmitter frequency can respond at any one time. Another methodof overcoming interference problems is to allow the prompter to transmitits identification code more than once while it is in the vicinity of,the gate unit 2 or the locator unit 7.

[0097]FIG. 8 illustrates one arrangement for a gate unit 2. A receiveris placed either side of a gateway to detect identification codes ofprompter carried by users as they pass through the gate. Theidentification codes detected by the two detectors are correlated todetermine whether a prompter is merely in the vicinity or has passedbetween the detectors.

[0098]FIG. 7 illustrates a ride queuing area wherein there are providedentrance gates 100 through which users pass. If the users are early,late, or in the wrong queue, the turnstile, 101 will deny access intothe mixing area 102 which is the end of the short queue 103 for the rideloading area 104. As can be seen in FIG. 7, this ride queuing areaallows for the park to allow for only some users to use the portableunits. Park users without portable units will have to join theconventional long queue 105.

[0099] Thus installation of the queue management system should maximumride/show utilisation, ease park management issues, raise spending onsecondary attractions and most importantly, greatly increase customersatisfaction. Some modification of the queuing infrastructure in thepark is required, and staff could carry portable modules forcommunication purposes and to give their management information on theirlocation.

[0100] The park management benefits will include the following:

[0101] 1) greater control in crowd movement,

[0102] 2) increased staff control,

[0103] 3) information in advance on user movement preferences,

[0104] 4) the ability to shorten attendance time when required bycontrolling routing and attraction attendance such that users will beled to exit areas earlier, and

[0105] 5) automatic supply of information for customer research.

[0106] The system would require minimal staff assistance to minimisestaff increase and, where appropriate infrastructure design, the systemis failsafe defaulting to exiting systems in case of a catastrophicfault. The park visitor or user would use terminals installed at parkentry points and at information kiosks throughout the park to enter rideand time preferences. The system would request other relevantinformation such as height or health status, which may be relevant inallowing access to certain rides and information such as the need for astroller or wheelchair. In the case of a group of visitors sharing oneportable module, information on each individual will be required.

[0107] Whilst in certain applications all users or user groups wouldcarry prompters, partial usage would be possible as a premium servicewith an increase in the standard fee.

[0108] The controlling computer 3 can store information in a database oneach user and each member of a group, e.g. prompter serial number,relationship to other prompters or on tags, arrival time, preferredlanguage, attract preferences, time preferences, calculated optimumroute, the number in the group, attraction restriction information byindividual user, other relevant information on the user, e.g. anyrelevant disability, baby being carried, stroller present etc., optionalservices activated (which might require additional user information),and credit available (where applications where individual ride ticketsare used and the portable modules acts an electronic ticket).

[0109] The controlling computer 3 can operate to include a procedurewhich can ensure that a user registering late in the day would be givenaccess to the same number of queues as a user registering earlier in theday. Such a user could join certain queues near the front. Thestructuring and managing of the queues are features which can becustomised to suite a particular situation. The controlling computer 3will thus operate in accordance with the customised algorithm to managethe queues.

[0110] The controlling computer 3 can be programmed to re-allocate everyuser's sequence used in accordance with a preset algorithm or to copewith unexpected events. In order to warn the user of this possibility,when the user registers and is shown a route to the queues, and thequeue sequence, an explanation of this possibility will need to bepresented to the user.

[0111] Three examples of situations which could result in there-allocation of every user's sequence are

[0112] 1) The theme park is lightly loaded and certain rides are to beclosed down. The late users may not physically be able to get from oneride to another in time without some re-arrangement of queues, eventhough slots are available

[0113] 2) It may be policy that every user gets a minimum number ofrides (depending on the time registration). If the weather meant that apark was lightly loaded in the morning but full in the afternoon, themorning attendees may have had a large number of rides. These morningattendees could then be given a reduced number of rides in the afternoonto allow an increased number of rides to the late attendees.

[0114] 3) If ride failure occurs it may be fairer to reallocate all thequeues.

[0115] As described hereinabove, the portable module of the presentinvention can utilise conventional paging message techniques.

[0116] The POCSAG protocol is one of a number of messaging protocolsused in paging. Any protocol can be modified in a similar way to providethe activation of pre-stored messages. The framing structure is asfollows

[0117] Possible activation codes are shown in the table below and theseare such that one frame is needed to define a command or initiate apre-stored message, except when special features such as the textmessaging mode is used.

[0118] Prompters store and display two messages one each for the nextand subsequent attraction.

[0119] The second message is sent every 5th time slot, the first messageevery other.

[0120] Messages and commands are shown in the next two tables

[0121] Special Mode and Programming Commands cannot be transmitted bythe base station. They are only used when prompter is in a kiosk dockingstation, or at the maintenance base for programming.

[0122] The standard messages, with various language versions ifrequired, are stored in memory in the prompter. TABLE 1 Control andPager Modes (Bit 15 = 1) 16 Bit Position and Meaning Note 1 Control Mode1 17/18 20-31 1 00 Command Mode (Normal) Enable 1-Y response 1Continously transmit 1 serial # 1 1 01 Special Mode (Cradle) Selectlanguage - x choices 1 Set Transmit Frequency 1 Set Other Parameters 1Flash Memory Download 1 Programming Mode 1 1 1 10 Message Mode ContactNearest Kiosk 1 Stay Where You Are 1 Go to Nearest Kiosk 1 Call YourHome 1 Call Your Office 1 / 1 Park Closing 1 Ride Restrictions Apply 1 11 11 Special 0 Pager Mode 17-31 Two Character Bytes 0 First Byte canenable eg Call the certain standard message following number

[0123] TABLE 2 Normal Mode (Bit 15 = 0) Bits Message Class MessageSpecific Display 16 First/second attraction sets location to storemessage the updated message 17-24 Attendance time Time (240 time slotsyy:zz in 12 hours) 25-27 Number of Places Number from 1-8 28-31Attraction Blank Space Ride Ride/Feature Name Bear show —*— Rocky HillRailway —*— \ \ Haunted Cottage —*— Mission to Venus —*— RestaurantsFrench Restaurant —*— Italian Restaurant —*— Slow Food —*— RestaurantJapanese Restaurant —*— Club 34 —*— Attraction Closed Out of Service

[0124] In the POCAG protocol it is possible to refresh the messages ofmore than 4,000 portable modules every three minutes. If different pagerfrequencies are used, the number of portable modules from which themessages can be refreshed in three minutes increases by the number offrequencies used. Thus, this arrangement can provide for a large numberof users in a multiple queue environment.

[0125] Although in the embodiments described above a single transmitter4 was employed to transmit messages to the portable modules, it will beapparent that in an alternative embodiment, a plurality of transmittersmay be used.

[0126]FIG. 9 shows a system in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention in operation in a theme park.

[0127] In this embodiment, rather than employing a single long-rangetransmitter, the host computer 3 sends messages to the portable modules1 by means of short-range radio transmitters in the module detectors 22.

[0128] Gate units 2, shown in more detail in FIG. 10, are located ateach ride, and each gate unit includes a single module detector 22. Thegate units also comprise turnstile mechanisms, controlled by the hostcomputer 3. The module detector in the gate unit detects prompters 1 inits immediate vicinity and passes their identification codes to thequeue manager. The gate is arranged such that only prompters passingthrough it are detected.

[0129] Locator units 7 are distributed throughout the theme park atlocations away from the queues, and each locator unit 7 includes asingle module detector 22.

[0130] In addition to the docking station 8, the system furthercomprises a plurality of automatic registration gates 99, connected tothe queue manager, and each including a single module detector 22. Anexample of an automatic registration gate is shown in FIG. 11.

[0131] The automatic registration gates 99 provide an alternative methodof either registering for rides, or amending a registration itinerary,by the user of a prompter simply passing through the appropriateautomatic registration gate 99, and hence past the module detector 22.The module detector 22 detects the prompter and passes itsidentification code to the queue manager, which can then perform thenecessary processing.

[0132] In order to register for an additional ride on the sameattraction, the guest simply has to pass through the appropriateautomatic registration gate 99 again.

[0133] Each automatic registration gate 99 is arranged so that onlyprompters passing through it are detected and may be located close tothe corresponding ride, or elsewhere in the park.

[0134] In the present embodiment, each module detector 22 includescircuitry to produce an “identify yourself” signal, to detect theprompter responses, and to transmit messages to the host computer 3. Thepower of the transmitted “identify yourself” signal, and hence itsrange, is set to reflect the function of the module detector, i.e.whether it is being used in a locator unit 7, a gate unit 2, or anautomatic registration gate 99.

[0135] The “Identify yourself” signals are produced repetitively by themodule detectors 22, with the various module detectors transmitting insequence to help even the processing load on the host computer 3. When asensor in the prompter 1 detects an “identify yourself” signal, theprompter responds by simply transmitting its identification code afterone of a number of predetermined delays which has been set in apseudo-random fashion. The identification code of the detected prompteris then sent to the host computer via a suitable method such astelemetry cabling, telephone cabling, or other methods.

[0136] The range of the “identify yourself” signals is set to providethe required accuracy in the position detection method. Also, the moduledetectors in the gate units 2 and the automatic registration gates 99use lower transmitted power than those in the locator, units 7, toensure that only the prompters in their immediate vicinities, forexample at the turnstiles, respond.

[0137] The use of a sufficient number of locator units 7 permits thesystem to obtain a fix on the location of each prompter, and the rangeof each locator unit 7 is typically 20 m. Locator units can be groupedtogether to enable the transmission of zone specific information. Therange of the module detectors in the gate units 2 and the automaticregistration gates may be about 25 to 50 cm.

[0138] The prompter can use the “identify yourself” signals from themodule detectors 22 to recognise if it was at the correct location andas a result display an appropriate message.

[0139] In addition, the prompter can identify the different types ofmodule detector (i.e. those incorporated in the gate units, automaticregistration units, and locator units) by the identifying signature.This allows the prompter to set its transmitted power to the appropriatelevel, thus effectively setting the range of its transmitted response.

[0140] To provide short-range module detection for gate units andautomatic registration gates, ranges of about 0.5 m are required forboth module detector and prompter. To provide for this, the prompter hastwo response modes which have different numbers of time slots andtransmitted power levels. One is “normal”, and the other is for shortranges. The short range mode interaction is intended to be between onlyone prompter and the module detector.

[0141] That is, the range of the “identify yourself” signals transmittedfrom the module detectors in the gate units and the automaticregistration gates, and the range of the identification codetransmissions from prompters in response to these “identify yourself”signals, are such that these module detectors detect only one prompterunit at a time.

[0142] In contrast, numerous prompters may be within the range of“identify yourself” signals from a particular locator unit 7, which inturn may receive numerous responses at the same time.

[0143] As was the case in the previously described embodiments, when auser arrives at the theme park incorporating a queue management systemaccording to the present embodiment, he or she is required to registerand provide users' information. This is done at appropriate dockingstations or terminals.

[0144] Of course, entry of the users' information could have been doneremotely in a pre-registration session.

[0145] In order to get a large number of users registered quickly,various means can be employed to avoid large numbers of terminals ordocking stations 8 being committed to the park entrance area. Forexample the terminals could be movable to points throughout the park orthe park guests could enter the necessary information on cards thatcould be read by an automatic system.

[0146] Having obtained his or her prompter, the guest enters his or herride and time preferences by means of docking stations 8 at the parkentry points or at information kiosks throughout the park.

[0147] Preference data entry could also be done remotely, for example inlocal hotels, at travel agents, or by means of a dial-up bookingservice.

[0148] The user may, in addition, join any particular virtual queue bysimply walking through the corresponding automatic registration gate. Acombination of methods is possible.

[0149] Itineraries may be updated at points throughout the park atadditional docking stations, automatic registration gates, informationkiosks, and at reschedule units which are small, menu driven displayterminals.

[0150] Certain features and modes of operation of the prompter are setby downloading appropriate commands and information from the hostcomputer as part of the registration procedure. Prompter messages areagain initiated by short activation codes transmitted to the promptersin a single protocol, and the update time varies according to the amountof time remaining before a queue must be joined.

[0151] While groups of any size may decide that each member should carryhis/her own prompter, small groups may share one prompter for the wholegroup.

[0152] A smaller version of the prompter referred to here as a Qtag,without a dislay can be used by groups for location, access and securityfunctions. The group would have one of its members carry the messagingprompter, while the rest of the group carried the Qtags. The Qtag has anaudible alert sounder built in to provide a simple message. This messagewould normally mean “Go To Information Point” or be an identifying alertto venue staff.

[0153] In this case of groups using only a prompter and not Qtags, thecontrolling program in the host computer holds the number in the groupin its records. In cases where more than one prompter and/or Qtag isused per group, the controlling program in the host computer recognisesthe prompters and Qtags as part of a group.

[0154] The Qtag is simply an rf transmitter with a timer set to causethe Qtag serial number to be transmitted at regular intervals. Thisinterval is selected from a choice of 2, 4 and 8 seconds.

[0155] The unit is powered by a removable button battery which can berecharged external to the unit. The battery compartment is notaccessible to the user as it is on the back of the unit.

[0156] The Qtags will not register a ride reservation request.

[0157] The Qtag strap is NOT user removable, but requires the wearer toreturn to the issuing booth to have the strap removed.

[0158] There are wrist, angle an waistband versions.

[0159] The design of the rode entry turnstile is such chat only holdersof correctly responding prompters and Qtags are allowed access. Otherpersons passing through the ride entrance have to follow an immediateexit route allows them to return to the outside area to re-establishcontact.

[0160] When only certain members of a group are eligible for aparticular ride because of age, size of health restrictions, tee systemwill only allow access to correctly registered users if all users haveprompters or Qtags. If groups share a prompter it either allows accessto the whole party and attendants ensure the ride restriction rules aremet, or only the number of places corresponding to eligible members ofthe party are allowed access.

[0161] In order to control this aspect, procedures are adopted atregistration to ensure the correct Qtag or prompter is carried by eachperson.

[0162] The Queue Manager is the controlling software program in the hostcomputer. It uses a simple but fast customizable flat database whichfrom which records are selected and processed to ensure the correctprompters are to be sent the appropriate messages and commands in anyone batch of transmissions.

[0163] The queue manager includes means of calculating the actual timeand sequence of attendance at queue entrances offered to the user. Thiscalculation can be in response to user preferences, on the overalldemand in the system and any priority attached to the particular userand would result in effectively, a recommended route. This allowsconsiderable control of the users. Appropriate algorithms ensure thatsufficient users are invited to join the physical queue at a rate thatwill maximise utilisation of the particular resource.

[0164] It is possible for the queue manager to disable any prompterswhich were being used improperly and in the multiple queue environmentthe system can also make an enterprise more efficient when the demandfor the various resources is lower than the optimum. In this case, thesystem allows for the resources to be operated for only part of the timeby making the appropriate queues physically available only at thecorresponding times. This will result in staff and operating costsavings.

[0165] When the park was not fully busy, staff could be snared betweenrides by only opening them part time without causing customer complaintssince their access times are controlled.

[0166] The queue manager software accepts input from the various inputterminals in the park as well as from remote terminals, perhaps locatedin hotels serving the park. This software can record the time of arrivalfor applications where some time limit is to be applied.

[0167] The queue manager (QM) takes input from the park management abouthow it is to deal with certain circumstances, accepts ride preferencerequests from guests and collects information about the guest'slocation. This information is used to calculate and update a guest'sitinerary. As guests are identified by module detectors the system willproduce and sequence the messages for the particular module detector.These messages instruct guests to attend the various rides.

[0168] Where some or all of the attractions are individually priced orhave separate tickets, guests could pay in advance and have the commuterstore the credit available. The prompter could display this creditperiodically and act as an electronic ticket. Registration could becoupled with automatic payment by credit card reader.

[0169] Rides can be requested using individual reservation pillars, cardreaders, remote access or manual input.

[0170] Statistics and other management information is available, in somecases such as resource demand information, in advance. The software cancarry out a varying amount of analysis on the real time information onuser location that is produced by the system. The amount of analysis isspecified by the system operator and the software is written orcustomised accordingly.

[0171] In order to cope with the high volume of inputs and the need toensure rapid updating of the information transmitted to the prompter,the queue manager is written as specific application. It has a modularstructure and all interfaces are completely defined. The inclusion of anexpert system learning function into this part of the queue managerprovides significant value in certain applications.

[0172] The data (prompter identification codes) from the moduledetectors arrive sequentially in batches, so that each module detector'sinput information and the messages to be transmitted can be dealt within turn.

[0173] The system according to the present embodiment may be offered toa small proportion of guests for a price premium but in most cases theseguests will obtain entry to the ride through an entrance which will havea limited capacity so the rate of guest arrival rate still needs to becontrolled.

[0174] The system can allow different classes of guest depending on thefee paid.

[0175] Advantageously the system may also provide snow and/or restaurantreservation options.

[0176] Advantages of embodiments of the present invention are:

[0177] 1) Easy and attractive audio visual question and answerinterfacing to the input terminals at the docking stations by anattractive kiosk design, simple keyboard and a fun, interactive, guidecharacter,

[0178] 2) A rendezvous aid service for groups using multiple portablemodules and/or Qtags. A member of a group which has been split up couldplace his portable module in the docking station at one of theinformation kiosks and the system could send a message to the portablemodules of the rest of his group with a suggested rendezvous point, orsimply cause the audible signal of a Qtag to be emitted. The systemcould alternatively inform the user in what area his group members werelast identified.

[0179] 3) A lost child/child security service. This could optionally usea smaller portable module without the message display facility, where aspecific activation code enables the ability to respond to everyidentify yourself message from every gaze unit. An option is to have aneven smaller unit without any pager receiver circuitry which wouldoperate continuously, responding to every identify yourself message fromevery gate unit. Alternatively, the service could use Qtags and couldprovide information about the last time and place the child wasdetected. This information would typically be accurate to 10 minutes and25 metres only.

[0180] 4) Zone specific messages promoting other utilised attractions,other promotional messages and competitions.

[0181] 5) Where separate attractions have separate tickets, the portablemodule could act as an electronic ticket. Registration could be coupledwith automatic payment by a credit card reader in the docking station.

[0182] 6) Theft or accidental removal of the portable module from thepark could be controlled by having a gate unit at each of the parkexits. The gate units could have signatures which would cause audiblesignals to be emitted by the prompters and/or Qtags. Alternatively, thegate units could detect any non-returned prompters and/or Qtags andprovide a signal to the park staff.

[0183] 7) Portable modules which display in multiple languages can beoffered as an option.

[0184] 8) Having the timing and route planned by the computer reflecthow busy the park is at that time. In very busy times users would be ledback to the exist area earlier, whereas in quiet times users would beencouraged to spend more time (and money) on secondary attractions.

[0185] 9) Enabling the system to concentrate the park users in certainareas at certain times. This will enhance the atmosphere for users inquiet times and allows savings on ride operating costs and staffingcosts to be made. A certain proportion of the rides could be closed forpart of the day without customer displeasure as they are not offeredthose rides when they are closed.

[0186] 10) The ability to issue an alert if any prompter has not beenlocated within a specified period.

[0187] 11) Promoting the hotels associated to the park as these couldexclusively offer advance registration as an advantage over otherhotels.

[0188] 12) A version of the prompter, which need not necessarily have adisplay of its own, could cause a message to be displayed on a separateapparatus in the vicinity. So that, for example, if someone wascelebrating a birthday and the system had been appropriately programmed,the normal prompter/loqator interaction could detect the presence of theperson concerned and flash up an appropriate greeting on a nearbydisplay unit. Alternatively, the normal prompter messages could bedisplayed on these fixed display units when the intended recipients ofthose messages are the vicinity.

[0189] Although the present invention has been described hereinabovewith reference to specific embodiments, the present invention is not solimited and modifications falling within the scope to the claims will beclear to a skilled person in the art.

1. A queue management system for managing at least one queue of people,the system comprising a plurality of portable modules, each portablemodule being arranged to be carried by a person or a group of people andincluding memory means for containing a unique identification code,indicator means for indicating to said person or group of people when itis time to join the or each queue, signal receiver means for receivingsignals to cause said indicator means to be operative, transmitter meansfor transmitting said identification code over a short range to confinethe transmitted identification code to a local region around said personor group of people, and docking means for downloading saididentification code when said portable module is docked; at least onedocking station, the or each docking station being adapted to co-operatewith said docking means of a said portable module for registering saidperson or group of people in queue sequence for a respective queue bydownloading said identification code from said portable module whendocked; a queue manager for maintaining the queue sequence for the oreach queue and including first communication means for receiving the oreach downloaded code; signal transmitting means associated with saidqueue manager for transmitting said signals to each portable module toinstruct said person or group of people carrying a said portable moduleto join a queue; at least one module detector for detecting any portablemodules in the vicinity of the or each module detector by detecting anytransmitted identification codes, a said module detector being arrangedat the location of the or each queue to detect when the person or groupof people carrying said portable module joins the queue; and secondcommunication means arranged between said queue manager and the or eachmodule detector to communicate any detected identification codes to saidqueue manager; said queue manager being adapted to update the or eachqueue sequence using the or each detected identification code and the oreach downloaded identification code to remove the or each detectedidentification code from the front of the respective queue sequence andto add the or each downloaded identification code to the back of therespective queue sequence.
 2. A queue management system as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said signal transmitting means is adapted to transmitradio paging messages to each portable module, and said signal receivermeans of each portable module is adapted to receive said radio pagingmessages.
 3. A queue management system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2,including at least one additional module detector provided at locationsaway from the or each queue for detecting any portable modules in thevicinity of the or each additional module detector by detecting anytransmitted identification codes, the or each additional module detectorbeing connected to said queue manager by said second communicationmeans, and said queue manager being adapted to use any identificationcodes detected by the or each module detector and the or each additionalmodule detector to track the locations of each person or group of peoplecarrying a said portable module.
 4. A queue management system as claimedin any preceding claim, the system further comprising at least oneautomatic registration gate connected to said queue manager by saidsecond communication means, the or each said automatic registration gatecorresponding to a respective queue and including a module detectorarranged to detect only portable modules passing through the automaticregistration gate by detecting any transmitted identification codes, andsaid queue manager adapted to update the respective queue sequence usingthe identification codes detected by the automatic registration gate toadd the detected identification codes to the back of the respectivequeue sequence.
 5. A queue management system as claimed in any precedingclaim, wherein at least one of said module detectors arranged at thelocation of the or each queue is incorporated in a gate unit, and isfurther arranged to detect only the transmitted identification codes ofportable modules passing through the gate unit.
 6. A queue managementsystem as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one of saidmodule detectors arranged at the location of the or each queue includesa pair of detecting antennae arranged as a gate through which a personor group of people carrying a said portable module will pass to join aqueue, the or each module detector including correlation means tocorrelate signals for any detected identification code from said pair ofdetecting antennae to determine whether a said portable module haspassed therethrough and if so to pass the detected identification codeto said second communication means.
 7. A queue management system asclaimed in claim 6, wherein the or each module detector includes meansto pass to said second communication means any detected identificationcodes flagged as representing portable modules being only in thevicinity of the module detector if said correlation means determinesthat the portable modules have not passed through said pair of detectingantennae.
 8. A queue management system as claimed in any precedingclaim, wherein said signal transmitting means comprises at least onetransmitter.
 9. A queue management system as claimed in any precedingclaim, wherein said signal transmitting means comprises one or moresignal transmitters, the or each signal transmitter being provided in a,respective one of said module detectors.
 10. A queue management systemas claimed in claim 9, wherein said signal transmitter is a short-rangeradio transmitter.
 11. A queue management system as claimed in any ofthe preceding claims, wherein said transmitter means of each portablemodule is adapted to periodically transmit the identification codestored in said memory means.
 12. A queue management system as claimed inany one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the or each module detector includesa prompting transmitter for transmitting a prompting signal over a shortrange to cause any portable modules in range to respond by transmittingtheir identification codes, each portable module including promptreceiving means for receiving said prompting signal, said transmittermeans of each portable module being responsive to the received promptingsignal to transmit the identification code stored in said memory means.13. A queue management system as claimed in claim 12, wherein saidtransmitter means of each portable module is adapted to transmit saididentification code after a random or pseudo-random delay after saidprompt receiving means receives said prompting signal.
 14. A queuemanagement system as claimed in any one of claims 11, 12 or 13, whereinsaid transmitter means of at least some of said portable module transmitsaid identification codes at different frequencies.
 15. A queuemanagement system as claimed in claims 12, 13 or 14, wherein saidprompting transmitter of the or each module detector transmits anidentifying prompting signal, and said portable module includesidentification means to compare said identifying prompting signal with astored prompting signal corresponding to a respective queue to determinewhether the person or group of people are at the correct queue, andmeans to indicate to the person or group of people whether or not theperson or group of people are located in the correct queue.
 16. A queuemanagement system as claimed in any of claims 12 to 15, wherein said theprompting transmitter transmits an identifying prompting signalindicative of the range of said identifying prompting signal, and saidportable module is operable in response to said identifying promptingsignal to set the range of its identification code transmission.
 17. Aqueue management system as claimed in any preceding claim for use in adefined area having at least one exit for the people or groups of peoplecarrying said portable modules, the system including at least one saidmodule detector at each exit to detect portable modules to prevent theportable modules being removed from said defined area.
 18. A queuemanagement system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said queuemanager is adapted to load an identification code into said memory meansof a said portable module using said first communication means when saidportable module is docked in a said docking station to register saidperson or group of people in a queue sequence.
 19. A queue managementsystem as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein theidentification code is preloaded in said memory means of each portablemodule.
 20. A queue management system as claimed in any preceding claimwherein the or each docking station includes queue display means fordisplaying a selection of queues which the person or group of people maywish to join; input means to allow the person or group of people toselect which queue they wish to join; and downloading means fordownloading the identification code of the docked portable module andpassing the downloaded identification code to said queue manager viasaid first communication means, and for passing the identity of the oreach queue which the person or group of people wish to join to saidqueue manager via said first communication means; said queue managerbeing adapted to register the person or group of people in at least onesaid queue sequence dependent upon the downloaded identification codeand the received queue identity.
 21. A queue management system asclaimed in claim 20, wherein said display means and said input means ofthe or each docking station are adapted to respectively display requestsfor data on the person or group of people and to allow the input of suchdata for transmission to said queue manager via said first communicationmeans.
 22. A queue management system as claimed in any preceding claimwherein said indicator means of each portable module comprises a displayto display messages indicative of the queues for which the person orgroup of people is registered to join and the time at which the queuesshould be joined.
 23. A queue management system as claimed in claim 22wherein said docking station is adapted to allow the person or group ofpeople to select a preferred sequence of queues to be joined andpreferred times of joining the queue, and to reselect said preferredsequence and said preferred times.
 24. A queue management system asclaimed in claim 22 or claim 23 wherein said queue manager is adapted tooptimise the position of a person or group of people in each of aplurality of queue sequences to allow the person or group of people tojoin each queue and attend each event being queued for.
 25. A queuemanagement system as claimed in claim 24, wherein said queue managerincludes queue information storage means to store information on thepredicted rate at which the or each queue will move and/or the actualrate at which the queue is moving, said queue manager being adapted touse said stored information to optimise the length of the or each queuesequence and to enable the optimisation of the sequence of queues.
 26. Aqueue management system as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 25,wherein said queue manager is adapted to control said signaltransmitting means to transmit data on the queue sequence and times atwhich the queues should be joined, and said memory means of eachportable module is adapted to store said data.
 27. A queue managementsystem as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein each portablemodule includes a message memory for storing a plurality of standardmessages, said queue manager being adapted to send a desired messageactivation signal to selected said portable modules using said signaltransmitting means, and said selected portable modules being adapted todisplay a desired message from said stored plurality of messages on saiddisplay in response to said activation signals.
 28. A queue managementsystem as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 27, wherein said queuemanager is adapted to send a control signal to selected said portablemodules, said selected signal to switch mode of operation to operate asa radio pager.
 29. A queue management system as claimed in any one ofclaims 22 to 28, including an access control mechanism associated withthe or each module detector to allow access to a queue area for a queue,said queue manager being adapted to compare a detected identificationcode with the identification codes of the queue sequence associated withthe queue to determine if said detected identification code falls withina predetermined range of the front of the queue sequence, and totransmit an access denied signal over said second communication means tosaid access control mechanism if said detected identification code isdetermined to be outside said predetermined range, said access controlmechanism being responsive to said access denied signal to prevent theperson or group of people carrying the portable module associated withthe detected identification code from gaining access to the queue area.30. A queue management system as claimed in claim 29, wherein said queuemanager is adapted to transmit an explanatory message signal to theportable module which has been denied access to the queue area toexplain the reason why access has been denied.
 31. A queue managementsystem as claimed in claim 29, wherein said each portable module isadapted to store a default acceptance time window associated with eachqueue for which the identification code of the portable module has beenentered in the queue sequence reason messages, a portable module whichhas been denied access being adapted to identify the module detector todetermine whether the portable module is at the correct queue area atthe correct time, and to select and display an appropriate reasonmessage to explain why access has been denied.
 32. A queue managementsystem as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 31, wherein a plurality ofsaid portable modules can be assigned as a group, each member of a groupof portable modules having an identification code which identifies whichgroup the portable module belongs to, the or each docking station beingadapted to allow the selection of the option for the members of a groupof people to each have a portable module.
 33. A queue management systemas claimed in claim 32, wherein said docking station is adapted to allowa member of a group to input a group specific message to said queuemanager via said first communication means when the member's portablemodule is docked, said queue manager being responsive to said groupspecific message to transmit a message to all members of the group. 34.A queue management system as claimed in claim 32 or claim 33, whereinsaid queue manager is adapted to monitor the locations of said portablemodules, the or each docking station including means to input a locationrequest to request the location of the group members when a groupmember's portable module is docked, said queue manager being responsiveto said location request to transmit information on the location of thegroup members for display by the docking station.
 35. A queue managementsystem as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 34, wherein said queuemanager is adapted to monitor the locations of said portable modules andto send area specific messages to portable modules known to be in atleast one specific area.
 36. A queue management system as claimed in anyone of claims 22 to 35, wherein said queue manager is adapted to programthe language of the messages displayed on said display of a saidportable module when said portable module is docked.
 37. A queuemanagement system as claimed in claim 27, wherein said queue manager isadapted to send the messages stored in said message memory of a saidportable module when said portable module is docked.
 38. A queuemanagement system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said queuemanager is adapted to set the frequency of said transmitter means of asaid portable module when said portable module is docked.
 39. A queuemanagement system as claimed in any preceding claim including aplurality of portable tagging modules, each portable tagging modulebeing arranged to be carried by a person or group of people to betracked, comprising memory means for containing a unique identificationcode, transmitter means for transmitting said identification code over ashort range to confine the transmitted identification code to a localregion around the person or group of people carrying the portabletagging module, and docking means for docking with the or each dockingstation for downloading said identification code to said queue manager;the or each docking station being adapted to allow a person or group ofpeople carrying a said portable module to associate at least one saidportable tagging module with said portable module, said docking stationhaving means for prompting the selection of a tagging option when saidportable module is docked to download the identification code thereof,said means for prompting subsequently requesting the docking of a saidportable tagging module to download the identification code thereof;said queue manager being responsive to said means for prompting and saiddownloaded identification codes to associate said identification codes;the or each docking station including means to transmit a locationrequest signal for an associated identification code of a portablemodule or portable tagging module when a portable module or portabletagging module is docked; said queue manager being responsive to saidlocation request signal to transmit information on the location of theassociated portable module or portable tagging module to said dockingstation for display thereby.
 40. A queue management system as claimed inclaim 39, wherein each portable tagging module includes a receiver forreceiving prompting signals from the or each module detector, saidtransmitter of each portable tagging module being responsive to saidprompting signals to transmit said identification code.
 41. A queuemanagement system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the or eachdocking station includes payment means for receiving payment in respectof a queue which has a fee associated therewith, said payment meansbeing adapted to request payment and await receipt of payment beforeregistering a person or group of people in a queue sequence for adesired queue which has a fee associated therewith.
 42. A queuemanagement system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 40, wherein theor each docking station includes payment means for receiving payment tobe credited to the person or group of people carrying a said portablemodule and to be associated with the identification code of saidportable module; said queue manager including credit storing means forreceiving and storing information on the payment to be credited to aportable module from said docking station, queue cost information memorycontaining information on the cost of the or each queue which has a feeassociated therewith, debiting means for debiting funds from the creditstored in said credit storing means for a portable module when saidqueue manager receives a detected identification code from said moduledetector at a queue which has a fee associated therewith; said queuemanager being further adapted to transmit information on the creditstored in said credit storing means for a portable module to saidportable module for display thereby.
 43. A queue management system asclaimed in claim 41 or claim 42, wherein said payment means comprises acredit card reader.